Scott Ian [Interview]

As an outsider looking in to the world of heavy metal, some names and faces are comparable to the likes of sports stars. Even if you never watch basketball, you know who the hell Michael Jordan is. And even if you don’t listen to heavy metal too much, you probably know bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and the subject matter band of the day….Anthrax, with their lead guitarist Scott Ian and his signature bald head and long ass goatee. He is without a doubt one of the pioneers who helped build American based heavy metal into the massive powerhouse of creativity that is is today.

But, if you are a regular reader of Trainwreck’d Society, you may have noticed that we have never covered, or spoke with folks from the world of heavy metal or even hard rock. We mainly deal with pussy rock some might say. It’s not my regular brand of listening, but when I do, Anthrax is always on the playlist. Therefore I could not pass up the opportunity to have the legend himself on the site. So, I called in a favor from a man who I consider a Heavy Metal expert, Sir Adam Mattson. Adam’s knowledge and expertise surpasses even the likes of the Google demons so I asked him to come up with a few questions for Mr. Ian himself. And I think you are going to like what he came up with. We managed to steal just a few words from Scott as he is an extremely busy man, currently doing two tours at the moment, selling out shows across the globe. Though short winded, we are so excited to have him on the site. Enjoy!

You have a spoken of a word tour coming up soon, without giving too much away, what kind of words can we expect to be spoken?

A lot of words about the ridiculous, poignant, charming, mysterious and hilarious situations I’ve been a part of over the last 31 years of being in a band.

Anthrax has a new EP of classic rock covers coming out. What made you pick the songs to cover that you did?

Covers are always songs that we already know, have been playing forever. They’re songs we play to stave off the boredom of soundchecking with our own songs.

You have gotten to tour with some of the greatest and most important metal bands of all time. Who has been your favorite? Who is left that you would like to share the stage with?

Touring with Iron Maiden has always been great. We’ve done shows with them since 1988 and they’ve always treated us amazingly and for us to get to share a stage with our heroes is a dream come true.

We’ve never played with AC/DC. That would rule.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

Playing Yankee Stadium with the Big 4 in 2011. That and my career. 31 years and counting...

If you weren’t making music for a living, what would you be doing?

I’d like to think I’d be writing professionally in some capacity. Maybe comics since I already do that.

What newer artists keep you excited for the future of heavy metal?

Any band that has the balls and the will to make a go at it.

Who would win in a fight, Chuck D or Brian Posehn? Why?

Exactly. Why?

What is it gonna take to see a Stormtroopers of Death reunion?

A reality show on Bravo.

What is it like having Meat Loaf as a father in law? Does this make for a bad ass Thanksgiving?

It’s awesome. We have a lot in common and he kicks ass.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

FaceTime from Australia with my wife and son a few minutes ago.

Learn how you can catch Scott Ian and Anthrax in a city near you at their official website.